THE VISUAL ARTS PORTFOLIO:

It is recommended that students seek assistance from a Visual Arts teacher when preparing the portfolio and plan adequate time to complete the required pieces.  We are looking for evidence of a strong work ethic combined with an obvious love of creating and working with one’s hands. NOTE: Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.

REQUIRED PORTFOLIO PIECES: (bring these to your individual audition interview)

Each piece should demonstrate 1 - 2 hours of working time.

1. SKETCHBOOK: a sketchbook or a collection (could be a folder/envelope) of recent drawings which may include sketches, planning, colour studies, imaginative drawings, media experiments, notes, and designs.  

2. STILL LIFE STUDY IN COLOUR of OBJECTS/NATURAL FORMS 

NOTE: Dry media preferred such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, chalk, and art crayons.

A still life study in any dry colour media of  3-5 items (e.g. fruits or vegetables) placed on a draped background.  

• Please use a variety of objects and/or natural forms (fruit/vegetables, teapot, etc.) as they present diversity in size, shape and texture.

• Overlap the objects to consider their form, tone, and composition.  

• Light the still life from one side to enhance the lights and darks.

• Draw for about two hours; this can be extended over a number of sessions.  

Do not draw from a photograph.  

Paper size should be approximately 16 x 20 inches, leaving a roughly 2 inch border around the work. 

3. AN INTERIOR Room Study or EXTERIOR Architectural Study from direct observation, in line only (pencil or ink), no shading. 8 ½ X 11 inches, or larger.

4. SELF-PORTRAIT (realistic) in black and white on paper

NOTE: Dry media preferred such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, chalk, and art crayons.

A life-sized self-portrait study, head and shoulders, drawn from observation (using a mirror) in your choice of 

dry media. Light your face from one side to create highlights and shadows.

Paper size should be approximately 16 x 20 inches, leaving a roughly 2-inch border around the work. 

5. SCULPTURE/ 3D ARTWORK

A sculpture or 3-dimensional work (i.e. clay, papier mache, wire work, paper sculpture, woodwork, fabric work).

6. FIVE ARTWORKS of the APPLICANT’S CHOICE: 

Five works of the applicant’s choosing which reflect imagination, creativity, attention to detail, and careful work (i.e. drawings, paintings, design, photography, crafts, etc.), completed within the last two years. This can include works from school.

In the Individual Audition/Interview (~10 minutes)

We would like to get to know you and your artwork.

These are the type of questions you may be asked during the audition as we view your work together:

1. Who are you? (introduce yourself)

2. What school are you currently attending?

3. Besides wanting to improve your artistic skills, how do you think an arts focused curriculum can benefit you? Why do you NEED to be in an enriched arts environment? How will you handle the extra work required?

4. How did you hear about our program? Did someone encourage you to audition? (a teacher, guidance counselor, family member, friend). Did you take a portfolio prep course (you are not expected to!) or any training outside of school? If so, where?

5. What are you most looking forward to from your high school experience and why? 

6. What other things do you do with your time? (i.e. reading, sports, etc.)

7. Explain your personal choice pieces.

AUTHENTICITY

We trust that all works included in the portfolio have been conceived by, and completed from start to finish, by the candidate and the candidate only. Please do not add additional artwork to this portfolio.

ACCOMMODATIONS and SUPPORT: Please send an email to Arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca should you need support with materials or require accommodations to complete the application process.

Drawing

Students develop classical and experimental drawing skills through exercises in perspective studies, still life studies, life drawing and technical drawings.  Students maintain a sketchbook used in the design and planning of all artwork.

Printmaking

Students are introduced to relief and intaglio printmaking processes.  Students undertake the entire printmaking process from the creation of the plate to the final print.  A specialized, purpose-built printmaking studio allows students a unique studio experience.

Painting 

Students are introduced to traditional and mixed media painting methodologies, using a variety of water-based media.  Students develop and integrate personal imagery into their work.

Photography

Students are introduced to the medium of digital photography. Beginning with an understanding of the basic operations of a digital camera, students explore photographic history, techniques, aesthetics, and practice.

Ceramics

Students develop hand building and wheel-throwing skills, as well as a range of surface decoration, glazing, and finishing techniques. Students produce both functional and sculptural forms, and a range of other sculptural inquiries.

Art History

Students study Western and non-Western art history. Students develop their understanding of art history and use this knowledge to develop a context for their own work.

Art Exhibits

In the course of their art studies at Canterbury, Visual Arts students are given the opportunity to display their work. The school lobby houses a large gallery with showcases and wall displays of student paintings, drawings, prints, photos, ceramics and sculptures.